DIY Round "Pokemon" Pinata

It's Pokemon Party time! And what's a party without a pinata? Specialty pinatas can be very costly, but they are easy, fun, and inexpensive to make! This round, papier mache, Pokemon Pinata can easily be modified for different party themes. Step-by-step directions and photos are included.

Let's make a pinata! 

Remember having fun with papier mache when you were a kid? Daughter-in-law Heejin and I had a great time creating this special Pokemon Pinata for grandson Noah's birthday party.

It's time to get your hands dirty!

Papier Mache Paste Recipe

1 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon salt
2 cups water (room temperature)

Combine all ingredients. Mix by hand until smooth.



Tear newspaper into strips about 1-1/2" to 2" wide. 

Tips: 

• Colored newspaper (like comics) or black and white newspaper is okay to use. Do not use glossy paper.
• This project is messy, so cover the work surface before beginning!
• Leftover glue can be stored in the refrigerator.

Blow up a "Punch Ball" to the desired size. Tie the end securely. A large balloon can also be used, but the Punch Ball is stronger and creates a nice, round shape.

Use wide packing tape to secure the flaps on the bottom end.

Dip a strip of torn newspaper in the papier mache paste. Slide the strip between your fingers to remove excess paste, and press it onto the punch ball. Add another strip, overlapping about 1/4 of an inch. Continue until the punch ball is almost covered, leaving an opening about 3-4 inches wide on the top. This opening will allow candy to be added. (See photo below.) 

Tip: Placing the ball on a large cooking pot makes it easier to add the papier mache layers.

When the ball is covered with papier mache strips, place it in a large colander, and let it dry overnight. The colander allows air to circulate so it will dry evenly. I also turned on ceiling fans to speed up the drying time.

Turning the pinata as it dries helps it dry more evenly.

When the pinata is completely dry, stir the paste well. Add another layer of newspaper strips dipped in paste as above. 

Tip: It helps to keep one layer of strips running in one direction and the next running in another direction so that you can tell when each layer is complete. You can also use black and white newspaper strips for one layer and colored newspaper strips for the next.

Again, dry overnight. I recommend adding a third layer of newspaper strips to make a sturdy pinata. The candy will be heavy, so the added strength will be beneficial!

When completely dry, carefully "pop", the punch ball, pull it out of the pinata, and discard.

It's time to make this papier mache creation look like a real pinata! 

Fold white crepe paper streamers into manageable lengths (about 12 inches), and make cuts about 1/3 of the way up, and about 1/2 inch apart. 

Starting at the bottom, use white glue (like Elmer's) to glue cut streamers around the pinata in rows. It makes it easier to cut each streamer at the end of each row.

Overlap each row to cover the top of the previous streamer. Continue until half of the pinata is covered with white.

Continue with red crepe paper streamers until the pinata is covered.

Cut a strip of black streamer to go around the middle of the pinata. This strip should be the circumference of the pinata plus 1 inch. Glue it in place.

Cut a circle out of white card-stock, and glue in in the middle of the pinata.

Use a compass or other sharp object to carefully punch 2-3 holes about 1 inch from the top of the pinata. Thread lightweight rope or heavy cord through the holes. 

Fill the pinata with an assortment of candy and small prizes.

Tie the cord to a heavy rope, and hang. Ours was hung from an arbor.

Thanks for hanging the pinata, guys!

Nice swing, Noah!! It was a great Pokemon Pool Party!